Self-described "outsider" candidate David Perdue claimed an
unexpected victory in Georgia's Republican U.S. Senate primary
runoff after a brutal, nine-week intra-party fight against his
competitor, U.S. Rep. Jack Kingston.

The results were tight throughout the night, hovering around
50-50 throughout, but the businessman Perdue ultimately secured
50.9% of the vote, according to The Associated Press. Kingston,
an 11-term congressman lagged behind by 1.7%, finishing with
49.1% of the final tally.

Perdue claimed victory in front of an enthusiastic crowd in
Buckhead, Georgia, and spoke of the potential he sees should he
win the Senate seat in November.

"The good news is there's an alternative: Limited government,
economic opportunity... and a health care system that works for
Georgians, he said. "We cannot give Harry Reid one more vote in
this U.S. Senate. ... That cannot stand."

Perdue also thanked his followers, many of whom began supporting
him before he was, in his words, "a viable" candidate.

"Guys, there are so many people to thank. We are the underdogs. I
am a better candidate now because I've been through this process.
So to you, I say God bless," he said.

Kingston gave the concession speech he said he "didn't want to
give." He congratulated Perdue on a "victory well fought."

The momentum swung in Perdue's favor due largely to his success
in mid-Georgia. Perdue also succeeded in the northern half of
Georgia, which includes heavily populated metro-Atlanta.

Kingston performed very strongly in his home district, which
encompasses 17 counties in southeast Georgia, as well as in the
southern half of the state overall.

In the May primary, Perdue also won the largest percentage of the
popular vote, leading Kingston 31% to 26%.

Going into tonight's race, polls largely indicated momentum for
Kingston putting the incumbent between five and seven points
above Perdue. The positive numbers for Kingston were fueled by
the wide array of supporters that endorsed him during the runoff
campaign, including the U.S. Chamber of Congress and big
conservative names like former House Speaker Newt Gingrich.

In closing his concession speech, Kingston ensured his full
support for his former competitor.

The coming months will tell whether or not Republicans will be
able to rally their base around Perdue as he begins yet another
grueling campaign. Democratic candidate Michelle Nunn will likely
put up an even tougher battle than Kingston. Recent polls have
shown Nunn either close with or out in front of Perdue.

Democrats have identified Georgia as one of only two potential
Senate seat steals this year, along with Kentucky. They plan to
campaign aggressively before the November vote. The general
election is Nov. 2.